A Robotic Trombone Machine: For the Marching Band of the Future

Since “just because you can” is as good a reason as any to do something these days, the engineers at iSax Laboratories took it upon themselves to try building a MIDI-controlled robotic trombone. The result? Well, the result is what you’ll hear below, which is by no means the best trombone playing I’ve ever heard. Although it’s not the worst either (I’m talking about my nephew).

According to its makers, a trombone’s unique tones are a result of “a combination of lip tension, pressure against the mouthpiece, airflow, air pressure, resonance in the mouth, and probably some other variables” that they were unable to successfully replicate with the robot, leaving them with “an over-engineered noise machine.” Hey – my wife calls me the same thing sometimes!

So we may never find out what a trombone duet with Toyota’s trumpet-playing humanoid robot would sound like. But you know what? I’m okay with that. After all, some things are better left unheard. Or at least that’s what my wife tells me when reminding me to close the bathroom door and play some loud music on my phone.

[via Laughing Squid]

Father and Son Build Hilariously Annoying Trombone Rifle

What is the most ridiculous gun in the world? That would be this trombone gun. YouTuber CaptainQuinn and his son built this hilarious and obnoxiously loud trombone rifle about a year back. Sure, it isn’t new, but we thought we’d share because it is so fun and bizarre.


You can either shoot someone or shoot their ears out. Watch as the son puts the rifle through its paces. This kid is having way too much fun. It looks like a gun that Scrooge McDuck would use – and sounds like one too. In fact, it sounds like Scrooge McDuck is stuck inside.

It’s great for waking up the troops – or the neighbors.

[via reddit via Laughing Squid]